Your copy. Your pace.

Time-entry narrative review

Use a professional submitting draft time entries to create a reviewed narrative and exception queue for billing. The design keeps source references, uncertain matches, and approval decisions visible to the responsible legal professional. It coordinates an administrative handoff with version checks and an exception queue. The workflow must not invent time, inflate duration, or disguise unbillable work.

Planning workbook. This file helps you document a process. It does not connect to accounts, read records, send messages, or complete external actions. It works offline and sends no entries anywhere. Entries are not saved automatically; export or print a copy before closing. Avoid entering sensitive information.

1. Define the starting point

Start with a professional submitting draft time entries. A successful handoff produces a reviewed narrative and exception queue for billing. Define the accountable owner before connecting systems. The workflow must not invent time, inflate duration, or disguise unbillable work. A source event is a request to evaluate the current state; it is not permission to make an irreversible change.

Process owner and backup rolesWhat will count as complete?

Current handling time and exceptions

2. Walk through the process

1. Read actual time drafts

Capture source entry ID, professional, matter, actual duration, and the original narrative.

We have defined the owner, required information, and completion check for this step.Step 1 working notes

2. Check required structure

Flag missing task context, unclear abbreviations, or client-guideline issues without rewriting facts.

We have defined the owner, required information, and completion check for this step.Step 2 working notes

3. Suggest bounded edits

Offer clarity changes that preserve actual work and duration; uncertain substance stays with the author.

We have defined the owner, required information, and completion check for this step.Step 3 working notes

4. Request professional review

The timekeeper confirms accuracy, confidentiality, and proper billability.

We have defined the owner, required information, and completion check for this step.Step 4 working notes

5. Release the approved version

Bind the narrative approval to the unchanged source activity and retain the edit trail.

We have defined the owner, required information, and completion check for this step.Step 5 working notes

3. Check the information

Use invented references in this worksheet. Keep real documents and personal records in an appropriate private system.

Reference field	Working record	Check
time_entry_id	time_entry_id	Resolve the stable source reference in the correct client, entity, and engagement.
actual_duration	actual_duration	Resolve the stable source reference in the correct client, entity, and engagement.
original_narrative_ref	original_narrative_ref	Resolve the stable source reference in the correct client, entity, and engagement.
timekeeper_approval	timekeeper_approval	Use the authorized owner or reviewed decision; unknown values stop the handoff.

Source of truth and access boundaries

4. Verify the process

Use synthetic examples. Mark a check only after recording what actually happened.

A suggested edit cannot add work not performed.A duration change requires a fresh review.A repeated source event creates only one current review task.A changed source version invalidates an earlier approval.A named person can resolve an unclear or incorrect result.Work stops when the task is complete, withdrawn, or outside the agreed scope.A duplicate or interrupted handoff can be recovered without repeating a consequential action.Expected result, observed result, and recovery notes

5. Decide the next step

Your smallest reversible pilotReview date and decision

Retain qualified professional review for legal, accounting, tax, medical, financial, or other consequential decisions. This workbook does not certify compliance or guarantee results.